Bardstown Bourbon Releases Normandie Calvados Brandy Barrel Finish

 

Bardstown Bourbon Scales Centuries Through Latest Distillery Reserve Launch,

Normandie Calvados Brandy Barrel Finish

The once forbidden flavor of Calvados casks now awaits discovery through limited-edition distillery exclusive

BARDSTOWN, Ky. (November 18, 2025) - Providing that there is nowhere Bardstown Bourbon Company won't go to push the boudaries of whiskey innovation, the latest launch from the brand's Distillery Reserve is an elevated marriage of French tradition and American craft.

Once forbidden by the Master of State Jean-Baptiste Colbert to protect the French wine brandy trade, cider eua-de vie, Calvados, made the journey from the white chalk cliffs of Noramndy to the home of bourbon innovation, Bardstown Bourbon Company, resulting in a decadent and unexpected blend aptly named Normandie Calvados Brandy Barrel Finish.

This release emphasizes Bardstown Bourbon's promise to push the boundaries of traditional whiskey production, crafting bespoke products through experimental finishes, extended aging and uncommon blending.  Nowhere is this approach more evident than through the Distillery Reserve.  Extremely limited in quantity and packaged at 375mL, Normandie Calvados Brandy Barrel Finish is the third and final Distillery Reserve release of 2025.  Previous small-batch explorations in the series include Cathedral French Oak and Hokkaido Mizunara Oak, each distinctly showcasing how relentless innovation and global curiosity fuel the brand's rapid growth.

"Three generations of meticulous craftsmanship and nearly 300 gold medals have made Christian Drouin House and icon of Calvados," said Dan Callaway, Master Blender, Lofted Spirits.  "Over the course of the past two years, these five barrels have become the apple of my eye - the most attention per barrel project aging in Bardstown.  The result:  a cross-continent conversation in a glass that bridges centuries of tradition on both sides of the Atlantic."

Normandie Calvados Brandy Barrel Finish is a tasting experience borne of curiosity.  Each 59-gallon Calvados cask was filled with a custom bourbon blend of stock aged between 12 and 13 years.  After a 28-month slumber, the whiskey settled into new, medium-toast American white oack, coaxing out layers of caramel, spice and roasted almond.  The result is an elegent confluence of crisp orchard fruit and velvety bourbon sweetness accented by gentle wood smoke and a whisper of vanilla.

Bardstown Bourbon's Distillery Reserve launced in February of this year to much fanfare with the Cathedral 300-Year-Old French Oak featured on 60 Minutes, and continued with Hokkaido Mizunara Oak finish, awarded as Best Bourbon in both Rolling Stone and Esquire's 2025 Spirit Awards.

Normandie Calvados Brandy Barrel Finish Distillery Reserve is presented at 104.2 proof (51.2% ABV) and is avaiable in extremely limited quantities at Bardstown Bourbon's distillery gift shop and Louisville Tasting Room beginning Black Friday, November 28, 2025.  Distillery Reserve releases are offered in a small format 375mL and retail for $99.99.

Bardstown Bourbon Company will host a digital raffle allowing a number of bourbon fans the opportunity to purchase all three 2025 Distillery Reserve releases including Cathedral French Oak and Hokkaido Mizunara Oak, and will offer tasting experiences with Master Blender, Dan Callaway.  Details about these offerings will be available exclusively through Bardstown Bourbon's email list.  For more information fans can sign up at BardstownBourbon.com.

Sazerac Rye Whiskey Full Proof Joins the Buffalo Trace Distillery Portfolio

FRANKFORT, KY (November 12, 2025) – Buffalo Trace Distillery is proud to introduce Sazerac Rye Whiskey Full Proof as a permanent addition to its growing Sazerac Rye portfolio. Bottled at 125 proof, this bold new release emerges from the Distillery’s recent expansion and amplifies the brand’s signature spicy, peppery, and dry profile to create a sipping whiskey with remarkable intensity. 

Born out of the spirit of New Orleans, Sazerac Rye Whiskey captures the character of the city: bold, timeless, and unapologetically original. The brand has evolved from a bartender’s best-kept secret into a connoisseur’s staple, with the original 90 proof and the recently launched 100 proof expressions celebrated for their distinctive spice and dry complexity. The addition of Full Proof offers a full-bodied expression crafted for sipping and savoring, highlighting the versatility of Sazerac Rye while reflecting Buffalo Trace Distillery’s commitment to delivering exceptional whiskey experiences for enthusiasts at every stage of their rye journey.

“Rye whiskey is the perfect next step for whiskey drinkers looking for more flavor. Sazerac Rye’s unique, balanced, Kentucky-style recipe makes it the brand whiskey drinkers have trusted for years,” says Andrew Duncan, Global Brand Director at Buffalo Trace Distillery. “Sazerac Rye Full Proof amplifies the brand’s floral notes of vanilla and clove, along with fruity hints of orange, with just a touch of pepper, proving that rye whiskeys aren’t just great in cocktails—they shine on their own.”

A result of Buffalo Trace Distillery’s $1.2 billion expansion, Sazerac Rye Whiskey Full Proof continues the Distillery’s legacy of innovation and craftsmanship. The addition of new still houses and enhanced distilling capacity enables great production of its core bourbon and rye whiskeys, while also exploring bolder proofs and distinctive flavor profiles that push tradition forward.

“We’re excited to bring another full proof option to fans after they’ve expressed their love for our W.L. Weller and Benchmark full proof offerings,” remarks Master Distiller Harlen Wheatley. “Our expansion is ten years in the making, and it’s rewarding to see how it’s already allowing us to create more of these whiskeys while maintaining the quality our fans expect.”

Sazerac Rye Whiskey Full Proof opens with bold aromas of rye spice, fresh dill, and smoky oak, immediately signaling its intensity and depth. On the palate, it delivers a surprisingly smooth sweetness up front, followed by floral and herbal notes, supported by rich oak and classic rye grain character throughout. The finish is lightly peppery with a late rye spice that gently lingers, presenting warmth and complexity without being overwhelming.

Sazerac Whiskey Rye Full Proof will be available in select markets beginning November 2025 at select retailers, bars, and restaurants for a suggested retail price of $39.99 per 750ML bottle (taxes and fees vary by market) via Sazerac’s United States distributor networks.

2022 Cline Cellars Eight Spur Zinfandel

 

From Cline Cellars and the Dry Creek Valley Appellation comes the 2022 Eight Spur Zinfandel.  Dry Creek Valley is one of the oldest growing regions in California and the Zinfndel vines resemble small trees that are spur pruned to eight canes, hence the name of this affordable and completely approachable wine.  Coming in at 15% alcohol by volume, the 2022 release is showing off some ripe red raspberries, cranberry and baking spice aromas.  The palate is full of sweet and sour cherry candies, plum, sage, beef stake tomato and sweet spices on the finish.  This is a straightforward and tasty Zinfandel that is very versatile and would pair very well with braised short ribs, a bold blue cheese or even a burger and fries.  This wine is very food friendly with an MSRP of only $35.00 you really can’t go wrong here.  This, in our opinion, is a solid 90-point wine all day long.

The 2023 release is currently available on the Cline Cellars website.  While we have not tasted that particular release, we can bet that it is as equally tasty as the 2022 vintage.  We will tell you that we have never tasted anything from Cline Cellars that wasn't top notch!

Cline Cellars was founded by Fred & Nancy Cline in 1982.   Their portfolio of businesses is impressive and includes a wide array of exceptional products and experiences that we think you’ll enjoy.   If you’re not familiar with the story and history of Cline Cellars, visit ClineCellars.com.

ABV:  15.0%

Dry Creek Valley AVA

Winery:  Cline Family Cellars

Suggested retail price:  $35.00

Drink The Bottles score:  90/100

Barrell Craft Spirits 12 Year Bourbon French Oak Finish

We are suckers for age-stated whiskeys so when we received a sample of this Barrell Craft Spirits 12 Year Bourbon French Oak Finish we leapt at the opportunity!  It's no secret that we have been fans of BCS for several years, way back when we dubbed Seagrass Rye in our top 5 favorite rye expressions - ever.  The concensus was that we suspsected this bottle would be nothing short of incredible, and we were not disappointed.  This whiskey was distilled and sourced from Kentucky, Indiana, Tennessee and Wyoming and then finished in French Oak barrels with varying toast levels.

Aged copper penny in appearance, this bourbon immediately oozes ageworthy aromas of well-weathered saddle leather, antique butter churn, dried herbs, cinnamon stick and fresh baked bread.   There is so much going on here, and between both of us tasting this bottle, we probably came up with close to twenty separate aromas, but had to settle on the aforementioned as we felt they were most dominant.

Mouth-watering and inviting, the palate brought us roasted nuts, tons of dried spices that reminded us of Christmas seasonal baking, graphite, dried peppers and cinnamon streusel topping.  You get rewarded with a long and very lingering finish that is satisfying and scrumptuous!  We are going to go back and taste this again with a couple of drops of water to see what other flavors make an appearance!

For reference, we tasted this neat in a Glencairn from a 100mL sample.

Barrell Craft Spirits proves again why they have set themselves apart from everyone else in the blending and finished whiskey world!

Check out our previous post about this hazmat Triple Rum Cask finished whiskey too!

ABV:  54.25%  (108.5 proof)

Distillery:  Barrell Craft Spirits

Suggested retail price:  $159.99

Drink The Bottles score:  95/100

 

Barrell Craft Spirits Triple Rum Cask Finished Whiskey

Attention all hazmat enthusiasts - check this out!   This is the brand new release from Barrell Craft Spirits - the Triple Rum Cask Finished Whiskey - and it is an absolute banger!  When we were offered a sample of this new release, we couldn't wait to get our hands (lips?) on this one.  For those who may not be familiar, any spirits with a proof of 140-plus is commonly referrred to lovingly as a "hazmat" bottle.  Some of these can burn your face off, but this one?  Well, this one doesn't drink like a 70%-plus ABV bottle and it is just stunning!  The picture above is for reference only.

The 100mL sample bottle is what we tasted this from - neat from a Glencairn, of course.  A little back story on this uniquely-blended whiskey tells us that it was distilled and sourced from Indiana, Tennessee and Canada.  The Canadian blend likely provides the lighter color than what you would see if this was a straight USA sourced product.  Some of the barrels used in this blend were aged for as much as 25 years.  Yes, you're reading that right!  That in of itself is a little mind-blowing.

The whiskeys selected for this blend were finished in Caribbean rum casks from Jamaica, Barbados or Saint Lucia before blending into the final product we have here.  Light golden in color, we allowed this to breathe in some room air for the first taste and eventually added a couple drops of water to see what further flavors developed.  

On the nose is a fresh spring floral bouquet, joined by strawberry jam, island fruits and vanilla cream.  On the palate was more fresh flowers, roasted cashew, sugary corn flakes, clove, baking spices and rum cake.  There is a buttery goodness that finishes with cherry cola and citrus fruits.  This one lingers for moments and invites you back for another sip.  Absolutely delicious!

Well, would you look at that!  What's this 12 Year Sample Bottle?  Stay tuned!

ABV:  71.12% (142.24 proof)

Distillery:  Barrell Craft Spirits

Suggested retail price:  $199.99

Drink The Bottles score:  94/100

 

Johnny Pickles Distillery Red Stinger Hibiscus Whiskey

 

Earlier this year, we accidentally stumbled across Johnny Pickles Distillery out of Texas and we were immediately intrigued by what they were doing.  First and foremost, Jeff was a firefighter for over twenty years and when he saw the distillery's home, the decomissioned Austin Street Fire Station, he knew he had to dig further.  If you haven't seen it, go to their website and if you're a 50's-something kid-at-heart, you'd swear you are back on the set of the 1970's TV show Emergency.

The second thing that caught our eye was that this small distillery was determined to use local grains in their spirits and we always have mad respect for people who don't overlook the details.  The Texas heat allows for a shorter aging process and delicious results of the uniquely named bottles that Johnny Pickles is bringing to market.  This particular whiskey is made from 100% local corn.  Love it!

When the good folks at Johnny Pickles Distillery sent us their Red Stinger Hibiscus Whiskey to taste, we honestly didn't know what to think.  This was one of the most unique spirits we had ever laid eyes on and we were certainly fascinated!

First of all, check out the amazing, rich color of this whiskey.  It's absolutely gorgeous and reminiscent of a Merlot wine.  The viscosity of this spirit is comparable to a ruby Port wine, and since we are Port lovers, we knew this would be a great fit for us.  On the nose are chocolate bits, dusty library books and sour cherry chewy candies.  Mouth-coating and medium sweetness from start to finish.  There's a sweet and sour Asian fusion feel here, joined by sweet red fruits, herbaceous undertones and a finish that brings Sweet Tart candy to mind.  

You don't find too many truly (what we would call) dessert whiskeys.  But this one fits that category and it would likely pair beautifully with a mild cigar if that is your thing.  

ABV:  40.0% (80 proof)

Distillery:  Johnny Pickles Distillery

Suggested retail price:  $26.99

Drink The Bottles score:  89/100

Angel's Envy 10 Cask Strength Bourbon

 

For the first time ever, Angel's Envy has released their first-ever age-stated bottle!  This is the Angel's Envy 10 Cask Strength bourbon.  Touted as the crown jewel of their Cask Strength Archives, every detail of this release confirms that it was not made to meet a deadline - it was made the exceed expectations!

Bottled at 122.6 proof (61.3% ABV).  This bottle features a weighted glass and a 10/10-engraved cork closure crowned with a dark metal medallion.  This is extremely limited at select retailers nationwide.  Only 200 bottles will be available online through the Angel's Envy website.

Angel's Envy 10 Cask Strength opens with warm cinnamon, creamy nougat, and candied nuts.  On the palate, ripe fruit and crème brûlée unfold, while the port wine finish influence reveals rum raisin cake and leaves a graceful invitation for another sip.

Ok...  All of that above is from the distillery's press release.  We received a bottle of this to taste/review/share and here's the REAL DEAL...

First of all, we have to address the packaging.  Absolutely stunning and 10 out of 10!  We love when distilleries and agencies get super creative and this "vault" exterior packaging with interior LED lights is an absolute home run!

We let this one breathe some air in the Glencairn for about 15 minutes before we approached it - neat, of course.  Cinnamon stick, cashew, honey, baking spices and salt water taffy all competing for best in show in lifted aromas.  It's just mouth-watering!  Caramel-tawny colored with welcoming flavors of ripe red fruits, cherry cordial, cream cheese frosting, vanilla, and brown sugar.  The port wine finish is the "pièce de résistance" in our opinion, leaving a sweet, vanilla and raisin-like goodness that covers the mouth begs for more.  

This is, without a doubt, the best Angel's Envy expression we have ever tasted.  For those who tend to shy away from cask strength bottles (yes, apparently that's a real choice), you will find this to be extremely approachable and the sweetness offsets some of the heat you tend to get from 120+ proof whiskey.  If you get a chance to taste this, do not pass up the opportunity!

ABV:  61.3% (122.6 proof)

Distillery:  Angel's Envy

Suggested retail price:  $249.99

Drink The Bottles score:  97/100
 

2025 Buffalo Trace Antique Collection Release

 

THE BUFFALO TRACE ANTIQUE COLLECTION CELEBRATES ITS 25^TH ANNIVERSARY WITH THE DEBUT OF E.H. TAYLOR BOTTLED-IN-BOND, A TRIBUTE TO THE BOURBON PIONEER’S ENDURING LEGACY

 

Colonel E.H. Taylor’s legacy of craftsmanship and innovation finds a permanent home within Buffalo Trace’s most coveted collection

FRANKFORT, Ky (OCT 8, 2025) – This fall, Buffalo Trace Distillery proudly celebrates the 25^th release of the Buffalo Trace Antique Collection (BTAC) with its first new addition in nearly two decades: Colonel E.H. Taylor Bottled-in-Bond Bourbon. First introduced in 2000, the Antique Collection honors Buffalo Trace Distillery’s historic whiskey brands and the visionaries behind them, offering enthusiasts some of the world’s most sought-after releases each year. Alongside the new expression are the collection’s five celebrated staples – Eagle Rare 17-Year-Old Kentucky Straight Bourbon, George T. Stagg Kentucky Straight Bourbon, Thomas H. Handy Sazerac Kentucky Straight Rye Whiskey, Sazerac 18-Year-Old Kentucky Straight Rye Whiskey and William Larue Weller Kentucky Straight Bourbon.

 

Widely regarded as the “Father of Modern Bourbon” and pioneer who helped define bourbon quality standards, Colonel E.H. Taylor is a fitting permanent addition to the Buffalo Trace Antique Collection. After purchasing the O.F.C. Distillery – now Buffalo Trace – in 1869, Taylor modernized operations with innovations such as advanced grain equipment, copper fermentation tanks and a first-of-its-kind steam heating system that remains in use in the distillery’s barrel warehouses today. Beyond modernizing the facilities, Colonel Taylor played a pivotal role in the movement that led to the 1897 passage of the Bottled-in-Bond Act. As one of the first consumer protection law in the United States, this landmark achievement forever altered the standards and practices of whiskey production. 

 

“Colonel Taylor’s signature graced every bottle produced under his watch as a testament to its quality, a tradition we uphold today as a promise of integrity,” says Andrew Duncan, Global Brand Director, Buffalo Trace Distillery. “Created in his honor, every sip of E.H. Taylor Bottled-in-Bond Bourbon offers more than exceptional flavor – it’s a taste of history and reminder of his strict tenets that have safeguarded America’s world-leading whiskey quality standards for nearly 150 years.”

 

Each BTAC expression is presented in a crystal-clear glass bottle that highlights its rich color, while the back label shares its history and tasting notes. Every bottle is accompanied by a letter detailing the whiskey’s intricate production and aging journey, offering authenticity and exclusivity to its owner. These limited-edition bottles are sold individually and available nationwide at a suggested retail price of $149.99 (local taxes and fees may apply). A limited supply will also be available for purchase directly via Legacy de Forge, a new global platform powered by Blockbar for purchasing some of the world’s most coveted bottles (shipping restrictions apply).

 

E.H. Taylor Bottled-In-Bond Bourbon

E.H. Taylor Bottled-In-Bond Bourbon is the first new addition to the Buffalo Trace Antique Collection since Thomas H. Handy joined the portfolio in 2006. Aged 15 years and 4 months in the Distillery’s warehouses and hand-bottled at 100 proof to meet Bottled-In-Bond standards, this whiskey is crafted from Buffalo Trace’s sour mash recipe. The nose opens with warm vanilla, seasoned oak, charred undertones, and a drizzle of maple sweetness. On the palate, balanced sweetness and baking spices mingle with gentle wood notes, while the lingering finish carries oak and vanilla into soft caramel with a hint of cherry. This Bottled-In-Bond offering bears Colonel E.H. Taylor’s signature, just as every bottle under his watch did, continuing a legacy of excellence he championed.

 

Eagle Rare 17-Year-Old Kentucky Straight Bourbon

Bottled at 101 proof in recognition of the original Eagle Rare brand launched in 1975, the Buffalo Trace distillers’ hand-selected their finest barrels to craft this exceptional whiskey. Aged beyond its 17-year statement – maturing 18 years and 4 months – the 2025 Eagle Rare 17-Year-Old Bourbon opens on the nose with dark tobacco and well-worn leather, accented by ripe cherry and a lively peppery edge. The palate reveals caramel sweetness intertwined with supple leather and bright cherry notes, while the smooth, resonant finish carries lasting oak, a touch of vanilla, and a gentle echo of sweetness. Last year’s vintage received a Double Platinum award at the 2025 ASCOT Awards.

 

George T. Stagg Kentucky Straight Bourbon

Named in honor of the whiskey pioneer George T. Stagg, who acquired the historic O.F.C. Distillery from Colonel E.H. Taylor in 1878, this powerhouse bourbon embodies his legacy of boldness and vision. Before taking the helm of what is now Buffalo Trace Distillery, Stagg had built a reputation as a successful whiskey salesman, and today his name graces the boldest expression in the Antique Collection. First introduced in 2002 to meet growing demand for well-aged, barrel-strength bourbon, this year’s George T. Stagg Bourbon was drawn from barrels aged more than 15 years and 4 months. The 2025 release is one of the strongest ever, bottled at 142.8 proof to deliver uncut, unfiltered intensity. Opening with a commanding aroma of deep oak accented by a touch of vanilla, the palate reveals bold vanilla layered with dark tobacco and ripe cherry that leads to a long, earthy finish with notes of tobacco, vanilla, and enduring oak. The 2023 George T. Stagg release earned top honors, including Best in Class and Double Gold medals at the 2024 Whiskies of the World Competition.

 

Sazerac 18-Year-Old Kentucky Straight Rye Whiskey

Sazerac 18-Year-Old Kentucky Straight Rye Whiskey derives its name from the historic Sazerac House in New Orleans, birthplace of the iconic Sazerac cocktail (widely regarded as America’s first cocktail) in the mid-1800s. Bottled at 18 years and 5 months and 90 proof, this year’s release opens with bright rye spice on the nose, layered with seasoned oak and a subtle herbaceous lift. The palate delivers a mature balance of spice and oak, accented by woody richness and supple leather, leading to a lingering finish of rye spice, warm leather, caraway seed, and enduring oak. Further underscoring its excellence, the 2024 vintage earned a Gold Medal at the 2025 International Spirits Challenge.

 

Thomas H. Handy Sazerac Kentucky Straight Rye Whiskey

Thomas H. Handy Sazerac Straight Rye Whiskey takes its name from the New Orleans businessman and owner of the legendary Sazerac Coffee House, who first used rye whiskey in the classic Sazerac cocktail. This uncut, unfiltered whiskey is crafted from barrels aged over six years and bottled at 129.8 proof, up from last year’s 127.2. On the nose of this year’s Handy, lively oak and spice are lifted by bright fruit and a light apple scent. The palate delivers bold spice and oak balanced with gentle fruit notes, leading to a long, warming finish of oak, vanilla, and spice.

 

William Larue Weller Kentucky Straight Bourbon

W.L. Weller, the pioneering distiller who first introduced wheat into the mash bill of Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey, inspired William Larue Weller, a wheated bourbon known for its soft, smooth character distinct from traditional rye-based styles. The Buffalo Trace distilling team filled the barrels for this year’s release at 114 proof; after 14 years of aging, the whiskey now rests at 129 proof. Uncut and unfiltered, the nose offers layers of vanilla, maple, and tobacco, while the palate balances sweet vanilla with toasted oak. Its long finish carries steady oak and vanilla alongside a touch of ripe fruit. Last year’s William Larue Weller earned a Gold Medal at the San Francisco World Spirits Competition.

 

2022 DAOU Vineyards Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon Paso Robles

 

As we write this, I can't begin to tell you how giddy we are about the experience we had with this wine.  The 2022 DAOU Vineyards Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon Paso Robles was something we were looking forward to tasting, but there was no way we could have anticipated how incredible this is - and the price is as attactive as the label!

There are so many layers of both aromas and flavors leaping from this bottle.  Stunning dark garnet color to the edge of the glass.  Ripe berry pie, red licorice, sage, rosemary, vanilla extract and dark chocolate fought for center stage on the nose.   We did not decant, but constant swirling brough additional aromas of cherry cola and hints of clove.  

The first taste brought us a huge fruit basket of flavors up front, joined by a grass field covered in morning mist, smoky cedar plank and semi-sweet chocolate bits.  The wine was absolutely mouth coating and provided smiles on our faces as the day was long.  Paso Robles characteristics and fruit quality absolutely shine in this bottle and we would drink this against a high end Napa Cab any day of the week and twice on Sunday.   

There is no doubt that this wine will surface again in our "Top of 2025" list.  It's incredible.  Let us say that again.  It is incredible!

ABV:  15.2%

Paso Robles AVA

Winery:  DAOU Vineyards

Suggested retail price:  $60.00

Drink The Bottles score:  96/100

Town Branch IMPERIUM MMXXV Kentucky Straight Bourbon Release

 

50% Wheated Bourbon Blend |105 Proof

Available in Select Markets Only

LEXINGTON, Ky. (September 30, 2025) - Town Branch Distillery, the 7th member of the Kentucky Bourbon Trail® and the heart of Lexington Brewing & Distilling Co.—is closing out Bourbon Heritage Month with the release of Imperium MMXXV, a high-end limited edition bourbon built on a 50% wheated bourbon foundation, bottled at 105 proof, non-chill-filtered, and offered at an SRP of $119.99.

Town Branch IMPERIUM MMXXV Kentucky Straight Bourbon – 105 Proof Imperium MMXXV marks the second annual release of this highly anticipated series. This year’s edition draws from Town Branch’s exclusive “Imperium Bourbon Stocks,” which include only the finest barrels from three of the distillery’s bourbon mash bills:

• Pot-still Kentucky Bourbon: 72% corn / 15% rye / 13% malted barley

• Column-still o Kentucky Bourbon: 72% corn / 15% rye / 13% malted barley

• Column-still Wheated Bourbon: 70% corn / 22% wheat / 8% malted barley

Each barrel pulled from the rickhouse and arriving at production is evaluated for its highest purpose — base blending, single-barrel program or Imperium stocks. The tasting of these barrels is like a tryout — much like an athlete re-earning a place on the team each season. Only the best of the best makes the cut.

“This year we again set aside our favorite and most unique bourbon stocks, tasting them as many times as needed to ensure each barrel still deserves a place in the Imperium stockpile before blending,” says Dave Bob Gaspar, Head Blender. “After almost a year of tasting thousands of barrels and collecting the rarest ones, we narrowed it down to only 6 barrels for this very special, small batch bourbon.”

The 2025 blend begins with a 50% wheated bourbon base, then marries 50% of Town Branch’s other bourbon stocks to create a distinctive hybrid profile unlike any other bottling from the distillery. Bottled at 105 proof, Imperium MMXXV delivers depth and power while allowing the wheated bourbon shine. This year’s Imperium again crowns Bourbon Heritage Month as a testament to Town Branch’s commitment to exceptional bourbon making. If you’re lucky enough to find a bottle, raise a glass to Bourbon Heritage Month — and to many more to come.

Brand Highlights:

Town Branch IMPERIUM MMXXV Kentucky Straight Bourbon (SRP $119.99/750ml) - A 50/50 blend of our finest bourbon barrels— 50% Wheated Kentucky Straight Bourbon mash bill barrels and 50% Kentucky Straight Bourbon mash bill barrels. Released annually during National Bourbon Heritage Month, this bourbon is marked by the year of release in Roman numerals, with a distinct proof and limited quantity. 

Mash Bill: Multiple Kentucky Straight Bourbon Barrels

 Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey (72C / 15R / 13B)

▪ SN 3963 / Fill Date: February 17, 2017 (Aged 8 years, 6 months)

▪ SN 4308 / Fill Date: February 7, 2017 (Aged 8 years, 6 months)

▪ SN 15647 / Fill Date: April 1, 2019 (Aged 6 years, 5 months)

o Kentucky Straight Wheated Bourbon Whiskey (70C / 22W / 8B)

▪ SN 16368 / Fill Date: March 6, 2020 (Aged 5 years, 6 months)

▪ SN 16391 / Fill Date: March 6, 2020 (Aged 5 years, 6 months)

▪ SN 16394 / Fill Date: March 6, 2020 (Aged 5 years, 6 months)

- Age: MMXXV Release – Barrel Aged 5.5 to 8+ Years

- ABV: 52.5% / 105 Proof

- Estimated Availability: Very Limited Annual Release | 219 cases

- Tasting Notes:

• Appearance: Rich Mahogany
• Aroma: Mature Oak, Honey, Spice, Licorice, Cherry and Ripe Plums
• Palate: Clove, Cinnamon, Baking Spice, Leather, Oak, Dark Cherries, Vanilla and Rich Caramel
• Finish: Lingering notes of Dry Oak, Spice and Honey

2023 Cedar + Salmon Pinot Noir Willamette Valley

 

It's always amazing to drink wines that you aren't familiar with, only to find out that they surprise you in a big way.  There are still a significant group of wine enthusiasts who snub their noses at screw top wines, to which we just laugh or shake our heads.  From a winemaker's or vintner's perspective - no cork taint!  Do we need to say more?

This is the 2023 Cedar + Salmon Pinot Noir Willamette Valley red wine from 3 Badge Beverage.  Don't peek to the end to see the price yet, because you won't believe it considering this is 100% Willamette Valley juice.  

Mulberry color in the glass, this wine left us pleasantly perplexed after some air time in the glass and introduction of oxygen with some nice swirling.  Dried rose petal, plum, and black cherry fragrances appear on the nose, leading an introduction to a myriad of flavors.  We first picked up the traditional Pinot Noir gentle flavors of red raspberry, cherry and dried herbs.  Some additional swirling and tasting brought us the smallest hint of clove, joined by button mushrooms and cola.  

The finish was typical for Pinot Noir, which is not particularly lingering, but the flavors danced for moments, inviting you back to the next sip.  We really enjoyed this wine and it is absolutely solid.

ABV:  14.0%

Willamette Valley AVA

Winery:  Cedar + Salmon Wines

Suggested retail price:  $24.99

Drink The Bottles score:  90/100